The TaylorMade SIM driver is back and packed with new technology – so what’s changed?

After weeks of seeing these on my TV screen in the bags of the game’s biggest names, I’ve finally got the new TaylorMade SIM2 driver collection in my own hands. It was definitely worth the wait. Let’s take a closer look…

• More from the SIM2 range: Fairway woods
• More from the SIM2 range: Hybrids
• More from the SIM2 range: Irons

TaylorMade SIM2 driver: First impressions

Well, my immediate thought when I pulled them out the box was that these take the crown for the best looking new drivers.

There is something extremely satisfying about the carbon curves on the sole, and what’s not to love about that electric blue and yellow combo?

TaylorMade SIM2 drivers: The line-up

TaylorMade have kept the same three model offerings that were available in last years SIM driver range each which perform slightly differently.

TaylorMade SIM2: This is the mid launch, low spin option – around 300rpm less than the other models – as well as the lowest CG in the range. It is also more forgiving and playable than last year’s SIM, thanks to its larger clubface.

TaylorMade SIM2 Max: With a mid to high launch and mid to low spin, this is the most forgiving model in the range thanks to the 24-gram rear weight.

TaylorMade SIM2 Max D: The mid launch and mid spin option, this model provides a draw bias flight to help you get rid of that slice while also offering plenty of forgiveness thanks to significantly higher MOI than we’ve previously seen in this model due to more weight near the heel of the club.

TaylorMade SIM2 drivers: The technology

Last year’s SIM driver story was all about reshaping for better aerodynamics and more speed.

This year it’s more about construction. TaylorMade have looked at each individual piece of the clubhead and upgraded it to improve performance all round.

The key piece to this is the new ‘Forged Ring Construction’ as it helps deliver the low CG and high MOI required. This is a solid ring of aluminium which is precision milled to slot into the back of the clubhead to form the chassis of the driver. (You can’t really miss it – it’s bright blue.)

Again we have the SIM ‘inertia generator’ on the back of the club for aerodynamics and increased club head speed. But now the entire sole and crown is made from carbon fibre. This is extremely strong but also exceptional lightweight so more weight can be kept lower in the club which is key to performance.

Moving to the front of the club the new construction method gave TaylorMade access into the back of the clubface. They took this opportunity to mill the back of the face, meaning they can create a variable thickness surface to optimise where the fastest parts of the face are relative to where most golfers strike it.

We still have the speed-injected twist face technology but it looks slightly different as the ports on the face have been moved to the toe.

The slot speed technology also remains as it delivers key ball speed benefits as well as adding forgiveness. We also have a new front weight on the sole to dial in swing weight of the club during fittings.

TaylorMade SIM2 drivers: The details

Available: February 19, 2021

RRP: £449

Stock shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue 60, Project X Hzrdus Smoke RDX Black 70 (SIM); Fujikura Ventus Blue 5, Mitsubishi KuroKage Silver 60 (Max); Fujikura Air Speeder 45 (Max D); Aldila NV Ladies 45 (Max & Max D Women’s)

Driver lofts: 8°, 9°, 10.5° (SIM); 9°, 10.5°, 12° (SIM Max); 9°, 10.5°, 12° (SIM Max D)

Grips: Golf Pride Z-Grip Black/Grey; Lamkin Ladies Sonar (Women’s)

More info: TaylorMade website

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